Gibson speaks out on reports

The following statement was issued by Crowley Chief of Police K.P. Gibson on Friday regarding the ongoing investigation of an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Crowely Tuesday

The investigation is being conducted by the Louisiana State Police and Gibson noted that he cannot comment on the investigation itself.

“On Thursday, several media sources brought to light that an officer of our department has been involved in two shooting incidents within the last three months. This fact is true.

“I will not discuss these specific cases as they were not investigated by our agency. I will tell you that I stand behind my officers as they continue to fight an increase in violent crimes within our community.

“We can sit still and let these problems increase or we can be proactive and do our best to reduce them for all residents. Our job is to enforce laws within our community and do the best we can to protect the citizens we serve. 

“Also, there was attention brought to the fact that the officer was not placed on administrative leave.

“This decision was made by me. I stand behind my decision to not place this officer on administrative leave. I felt that the officer was capable of continuing to perform his duties objectively and professionally. If I had any doubt that this officer or any officer could not fulfill his or her duty after an incident like this, then I would have placed the officer on administrative leave.”